MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I pray that everyone has a wonderful break!  

• THANK YOU to all the awesome parents who made our Christmas party so special-- especially Mrs. Blackburn and Mrs. Gunniers! :)

• THANK YOU for all the wonderful cards, treats, and gifts given.  You all are too kind!  I feel very appreciated.  You all are such blessings and encouragements to me!  :)

• THANK YOU for raising these amazing, wonderful students.  I enjoy every day with them, and, as much as I am looking forward to break, I will miss these sweet kiddos!

ADDITIONALLY, here is a look at what we have been doing in the classroom since it has been a while since I have updated the webpage...

7th English: We just finished a large grammar unit and are more than half way through our vocabulary curriculum.  Their grammar and writing are coming along!  Many of the kids enjoy grammar, surprisingly-- especially when we have grammar relays. :)  Our next novel, when we return from break, is Tuck Everlasting.  It is an easier read for the 7th grade (it's on their level rather than above it), but the coinciding concepts and discussion are very deep.  We will also be doing more vocab, grammar, and writing, as always! :)

8th English: Grammar, grammar, grammar!  Writing, writing, writing!  We just finished learning to write an expository essay, and the students are beginning to better grasp structure and mechanics.  When we return from break, we will be beginning Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.  The students LOVE this unit.  It's tons of fun, and their vocabulary is sure to increase through learning this play!

7th Bible: We are in the middle of Unit 5 on The Prophets.  The current Bible memory verse is Isaiah 41:10 ESV.  It has been awesome that, while we are studying the context and historical setting of the individual prophets, we can see that God's message is relevant for us as well.  Over break, the students will be completing devotional charts to document what scriptures they are reading on a daily basis and what prayers they are bringing before God's throne.

8th Bible: We are in the middle of Unit 4.2 on Church History.  We have discussed how Constantine changed the church and have learned about the early church fathers.  The students have especially enjoyed hearing messages from Ambrose, Augustine, and Chrysostom.  These preachers are as relevant today as ever, even though they ministered in the 4th century!  We are currently memorizing the Nicene Creed.  Over break, the students will be completing devotional charts to document what scriptures they are reading on a daily basis and what prayers they are bringing before God's throne.